This pack is GREAT!!!

By imaxeman1371 Ranked #784 - Weekend Packs (3000-4500 cu in) July 22, 2009

I bought this pack for summer weekend trips when I can pack light and hike fast. I took this out on the North Country Trail in Northern Michigan over a three day weekend. It held all my gear with ease, and I was able to carry an extra 4 liter water bladder for the first day (due to lack of water access) in the external gear net on the front. I was concerned that the hipbelt would get uncomfortable after a few miles down the trail, but to my surprise I found it to be a great fit and a nice comfortable suspension. I found that with the hydration bladder compartment on the side, it did not get pressurized from being squished amongst the gear in my pack for refilling (I use the MSR HyperFlow, so I do not have to take the bladder out of my pack, great time saver!, but I have had the water spray back out of the drinking tube on other packs that have the bladder in the main compartment). With the extra water, the pack weighed in at 43 lbs at the trail head, was very comfortable; it weighed 32 lbs when I left the trail, and still very comfortable. I can say that I felt the cool breezes on my back while I was hiking! I would not recommend this for extended hikes unless you are a minimalist though. It had just enough room for 3-4 maybe 5 days, and in fairly warm weather (no extra warm layers). Overall a great pack and an awesome design!

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Backpack - 3350-3650cu in

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes